Police Chase Follows Store Robbery

HOLLYWOOD — A simple request for ice cream turned into an armed robbery Friday, followed by a police chase and a tense encounter with police officers.

Bradley R. Leonard, 39, whose address was unknown, drew a 9mm pistol and robbed the owner of Khan`s Discount Beverage and Grocery Store in the 2100 block of North Federal Highway about 11 a.m. Friday, said police spokesman Paul Dungan.

Minutes later, after a car chase through a nearby residential neighborhood, Leonard pointed his gun, loaded with 14 rounds, at a police officer, but never shot after being surrounded by officers, Dungan said.

No one was injured in either the holdup or the chase, he said.

The incident began when Leonard demanded cash from store owner Tariq Khan, Dungan said. After getting $85, Leonard ordered Khan to lie on the floor behind the cash register, then ran to a waiting car, Dungan said. He said a witness gave police a description of a light blue 1973 Plymouth.

Officer Larry Burgess saw the car near Buchanan Street and North 19th Avenue, Dungan said. He said Burgess chased the car, driven by Arnold Wilbur Peterson Jr., 31, of the 1800 block of Plunkett Street.

After zigzagging through the residential neighborhood, Peterson collided with a 1976 Pontiac, Dungan said. The driver of that car was unhurt, he said.

Peterson surrendered, but Leonard tried to make a run for it, Dungan said. However, within a few feet of the getaway car Leonard found himself facing Officer Richard Fenlon. Leonard aimed his gun at Fenlon, Dungan said.

By then, Burgess and two sergeants had arrived, Dungan said. Surrounded, Leonard obeyed Fenlon`s order to drop his weapon, Dungan said.

Leonard was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest with violence, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm, Dungan said.

He said Peterson was charged with armed robbery, fleeing and eluding police, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.